Lee Kuan Yew: life and legacy

The life and legacy of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first prime minister and architect of its rapid rise to global trade and financial hub. Paul Chapman reports.

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The People's Action Party co-founded by Lee Kuan Yew began its rule of Singapore six years before its independence half a century ago.
Lee was the nation's first prime minister.
He spearheaded the island's independence from Britain in 1959.
Singapore joined the post-colonial Federation of Malaysia, a grouping of former British territories in 1963.
When it was expelled two years later after violent ethic clashes Lee was visibly upset.
(SOUNDBITE)(English) LEE KUAN YEW SAYING:
"You see, the whole of my adult life...I have believed in Malaysia, in merger and the unity of these two characters, you know, it's a people connected by geography, economics and ties of kinship...would you mind if we stop for a while."
Lee led Singapore's rapid rise from British tropical outpost to global trade and financial centre.
He stepped down in 1990 as the world's longest-serving prime minister.
He stayed on in the cabinet until 2011. He was a member of parliament until his death.
Under Lee Singapore's economy has flourished.
Political opposition and an independent media have not been allowed to thrive, however, drawing criticism for heavy-handed government.
Even so, Singapore, marking the 50th anniversary of its birth this year, is hailed as one of Asia's most liveable and corruption-free nations.